Arkan waited anxiously in the car, his mind filled with worry. Just after his wedding plans with Lunar were announced, he received news that Raya would be returning. Today was supposed to be the day they would surprise everyone with their relationship, but everything had taken an unexpected turn. He knew Raya wouldn't easily forgive the decision he had to make.

He left Secretary Ham waiting outside the car since he couldn't be seen in public with other women at the moment. His reputation would only worsen due to his past relationships with multiple women. Being an heir was proving to be more challenging than he had anticipated. He never wanted this life, but what could he do when his father asked him to fulfill certain obligations?

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw Secretary Ham approaching the car. And there she was, Raya, the woman he missed so much. He opened the car door while still inside, unable to contain his smile when he saw Raya standing beside him.

Raya took off her hat and glasses, revealing her face. They locked eyes, speechless. From her expression, Arkan could tell that Raya already knew about the news spreading. The tension in the air was palpable, a stark contrast to their previous meetings.

Arkan wanted to embrace her, but his hand was pushed aside. "Forgive me," he said softly, unable to look at Raya any longer.

He had hurt the woman he loved, and now he was grappling with the consequences. Was it worth sacrificing something precious for something as futile as this? How he longed to hold Raya and express how much he missed her.

"You betrayed me, Arkan," Raya said, her voice filled with pain.

Arkan bowed his head, acknowledging the immense hurt he had caused his lover. He had indeed betrayed their relationship by choosing to marry another woman, even though it was all part of a fake marriage. The coming year would keep them apart, and it was now on his list of regrets. How could he possibly explain all of this to Raya?

He felt helpless, unable to exert any influence over his current circumstances. He could only submit to his father's decisions without being able to argue. Running away with Raya might seem tempting, but he couldn't rely on a woman for his entire life. Without his father's wealth, he felt worthless.

"You don't intend to explain?" Raya's voice broke his train of thought.

He realized he needed to clarify the situation to clear up any misunderstandings in their relationship.

"I-I really don't know how Lunar ended up in the trunk of my car," Arkan began, but he stopped himself, realizing how absurd it sounded. How could a woman suddenly end up in the trunk of his car? Would Raya even believe such a story?

"Lunar caused a mess and forced us to get married."

"A mess?" Raya interrupted Arkan's words. "You didn't get her pregnant, did you?"

"Of course not!" Arkan unconsciously raised his voice but quickly lowered it again. "I didn't even know that woman. She just suddenly appeared in my life and caused chaos."

Raya raised a hand to halt the increasingly convoluted explanation. "Fine. Let's focus on this woman named Lunar."

Seeing Arkan nod, she began to process the information she was receiving. "So Lunar suddenly entered your life, disrupted our relationship, and you decided to marry her?"

Arkan nodded again, and confusion washed over Raya. "So you were having an affair behind me?" She drew her own conclusions based on Arkan's actions.

Arkan immediately pulled Raya into an embrace as she burst into tears. "I'm not having an affair behind you," he whispered, soothing her by running his fingers through her hair. "This marriage will only last a year. After that, Lunar and I will separate."

Raya pulled away from the hug, her eyes searching Arkan's. "What do you mean?"

"This is all so ridiculous. I have to marry her, but it's just a sham to maintain the company's image," Arkan explained, taking a deep breath.

Raya fell silent, trying to digest the successive explanations. "So you're not having an affair behind my back?"

Arkan shook his head, his smile widening. Raya embraced him with all her soul, not wanting to let go. In that moment, happiness filled their hearts. Tears streamed down their faces, mingling with the joy that enveloped them.

"Knowing that you were going to marry another woman made me so sad. I caught the first flight and left my work unfinished to come see you," Raya confessed.

Arkan smiled, grateful that Raya understood him. That's all he needed right now—a shoulder to lean on. With Raya by his side, he felt calm and reassured. He had made the right choice in choosing Raya as his life partner.

***

Lunar descended the stairs and noticed the maids bustling around. Earlier, she had seen a maid coming out of a room adjacent to hers. Arkan had mentioned that everything in that room belonged to Raya. She didn't know who Raya was, nor did she care at the moment.

She headed towards the kitchen, hoping to find something to satisfy her growling stomach. The servants were busy preparing food, and every time she tried to take something, it was swiftly taken away from her. Eventually, she couldn't find any food in the kitchen, despite her stomach rumbling with hunger since she woke up late.

Determined, Lunar searched for some bread. She spread jam on a piece of bread and devoured it, paying no mind to the busy maids around her. She had to make do with a few pieces of bread to stave off her hunger for the afternoon. It was truly unfortunate that in such a luxurious house, all she could get was bread.

"The master, Arkan, has returned!"

One of the servants announced, and Lunar finished spreading jam on her sixth piece of bread. She pressed it against another slice, holding it with her free hand, and started devouring it as she made her way out of the kitchen. She alternated between chewing and biting the bread, all while carrying the jar of jam and the remaining pieces of bread in her arms.

Her steps halted when she saw Arkan with a woman she didn't recognize. She nearly dropped everything she was carrying but managed to keep her composure. Who was this woman accompanying Arkan? Was the game involving the covert business behind Royal Gray finally over? Why was Arkan with another woman?

Arkan took a deep breath, noticing Lunar's presence. "This is Lunar, the one I told you about," he said casually.

"Oh!" Raya exclaimed, embracing Arkan as a sign of declaration. "I'm Raya, Arkan's true love. Nice to meet you, Lunar."

The maids who overheard the conversation were familiar with Raya since they already knew about her. However, the news of Lunar's involvement in the wedding left them uncertain about how to react. Raya was Arkan's genuine love interest, residing in the same house. On the other hand, Lunar was the future wife of the house's owner, someone they were expected to respect.

"Great!"

Lunar heard her name being mentioned once again. She finally realized that Raya was Arkan's girlfriend. It made sense why she wasn't allowed to touch anything in that room earlier.

"Nice to meet you, Raya," Lunar replied, unsure how to shake hands as both her hands were occupied. She resorted to taking a bite of bread so that she could extend her hand.

Raya released her hands and hesitated for a moment before reciprocating the gesture. However, she couldn't shake off the thought that Lunar was only after Arkan's wealth. There had to be something behind this fake marriage involving Arkan.

"You can rest in your room, Raya. I have to return to the office now," Arkan said.

Raya nodded. "I understand." She walked away with a maid, who carried her luggage.

Arkan no longer wanted to be bothered by Lunar's presence. He shook his head, finding Lunar messy and greedy. He couldn't fathom having a woman who walked around carrying a bag of bread and a jar of jam as his wife, even if their marriage was a sham.

Meanwhile, Lunar, witnessing Arkan's departure, hurriedly handed everything she was carrying to a nearby maid, including the unfinished bread. She ran after Arkan, desperate to catch up with him and grab his attention.

"What are you doing?" Arkan looked displeased as Lunar halted his steps.

"We need to talk," Lunar insisted.

"I don't have time for that."

Lunar ignored his rejection, knowing that what she had to discuss was crucial.

"If Raya is going to live here after we're married, won't that become news? Two women living with you?" Lunar questioned.

"Everyone knows that Raya and I have known each other since childhood. There won't be any scandalous news about us," Arkan explained.

Lunar finally understood that she was trapped in another woman's long-standing relationship. "But..."

Arkan, frustrated by wasting his time, brushed aside Lunar's hand blocking his path. Irritated, he managed to get into his car and paid no further attention to Lunar. As the car pulled away from the parking area, he didn't spare her a single glance.

Secretary Ham muttered quietly, sharing his thoughts that had been bothering him. "I believe Miss Lunar has a valid point, Sir. It's not feasible for two women to live in the same house after the marriage."

At the same dining table, the three of them sat in an awkward atmosphere. Lunar didn't stop stealing glances at the two couples in front of her alternately. Arkan didn't stop loosening his tie as if it wanted to strangle his neck. Raya felt uncomfortable having to share the table with strangers when it used to be occupied by only two people.

Arkan was still contemplating what his secretary had said yesterday regarding a house that couldn't possibly be used as a place for two women to live. If given a choice, he would choose Raya. Unfortunately, he couldn't make a choice now. How could he expel Raya, who had been living with him in this house for so long?

Did he only buy one apartment for Lunar to live in? He planned to live with Raya in his current house so that they wouldn't have to face each other. However, his father wouldn't allow the son-in-law of the Gray family to live in the apartment alone. The question of who would stay was extremely complicated. Why did Lunar have to appear in his life?

Arkan brushed aside all the doubts that frustrated him and said, "Soon, Lunar and I will get married. After that, there can't be two women in this house. It will only attract unwanted attention."

Raya listened carefully to his words. She concluded that Arkan wanted to remove one of them from the house. Was she the one who would be expelled? She had no reason to stay there.

There was nothing wrong with Arkan's decision; she felt it was the right one. Two women couldn't coexist under the same roof. However, it seemed unfair to her that she had to leave before Lunar. Why did she have to occupy the house before Lunar? Everything felt so unjust.

Lunar nodded in agreement with the decision to remove Raya from the house. Having another woman in their marriage would only complicate things. The reputation they had carefully maintained would be at risk again. It was enough for them to be trapped in a loveless marriage.

"That's why I decided to buy an apartment, so one of you can live there."

"D-do you intend to kick me out?" Raya asked, hoping her worst fears wouldn't come true.

Arkan shook his head confidently. "No. I'll ask Lunar to leave."

Raya widened her eyes, surprised because her thoughts were completely different from reality. Even Lunar was shocked to hear this unreasonable decision.

How could Lunar be kicked out of the house where the wife of Arkan should live? Even though their marriage was a sham, it made no sense for the person who was supposed to be the mistress to give in.

"W-why me?" Lunar asked.

"Because you're just a stranger, now or even after we get married. Even though you will have the status of my wife."

Lunar didn't know how to respond. She couldn't deny that her presence was a mistake that had to be accepted. They were just strangers living together. No, in fact, now she would live alone in the apartment. The wife of the businessman herself would be exiled to a special place. Wasn't that sad?

But what was wrong with all of that? What made her grieve? They were strangers and would forever remain so. She would be the one benefiting the most from this situation, right? In just one year, she had obtained a shelter and a prestigious status. It didn't matter if she was alone in the apartment. After all, she didn't really know anyone else in the house.

"If you've made up your mind, I can't refuse," Lunar said, hiding her excitement.

"How about we clear up this misunderstanding? Wouldn't that be better? We might face more rumors, but at least we wouldn't have to go through with the wedding," Raya suggested, trying to save them all from this sad situation.

"No!" Lunar and Arkan shouted simultaneously.

The calm atmosphere immediately changed. Raya looked at them with a demanding expression, wanting an explanation. Wasn't clearing up the misunderstanding a better solution? They wouldn't have to go through with the wedding and everything would return to normal, with Raya as the true bride-to-be.

"I-I..."

Lunar was confused about what reason to give for her choice to disagree. If she said she didn't want her whereabouts known, which would only result in her being remarried, she would sound like a woman seeking refuge from someone else's future husband.

"Father has made his decision," Arkan said, holding Raya's hand on the table. "You know how my dad is, don't you?"

Raya lowered her head and took a deep breath. She had only been thinking about her own wishes, not considering how Arkan would be perceived if suddenly two women appeared in his life. Not to mention the questions that would arise about his relationship with Damian, his childhood best friend. She also knew that Arkan didn't want to disappoint Damian if their business partnership would be affected.

Raya pursed her lips and touched her hand to the one holding it. "I understand."

Seeing the relationship between the two couples in front of her made Lunar feel even more awkward. Their existence felt like that of a third wheel, something that was never intended. But what could they do when the situation had become so complicated? It wasn't just Arkan who didn't want to be in this situation; she also didn't want to be trapped in a loveless marriage. There were so many things she wanted to do out there, to live a normal life if it weren't for Nico.

***

Lunar followed the man's footsteps to their new place of residence. She was sandwiched between two tall and slender men. In the deserted alley, the three of them walked, with Arkan as their guide, while Secretary Ham dragged a dark-colored suitcase whose contents were unknown.

The red carpet she had walked on earlier now seemed like a farewell. She felt a tinge of sadness because she would be alone in the apartment. Back at her family's home, there was always someone to talk to. The conversations revolved around her job prospects and marriage, discussions she had been reluctant to engage in. Perhaps, she just missed her parents.

"For now, you'll stay here in the future," Arkan said.

Lunar glanced at the suitcase that had been brought into the room, its door already open. She didn't immediately pay attention to Arkan's words; instead, she entered the apartment, her gaze exploring her new living space. She had expected a modest place since she was just a foreigner, but the reality exceeded her imagination. Arkan had given her a luxurious place to live.

"Thank you, Arkan."

"No need to thank me. I'm doing all this because you'll have the status of... um, my wife," Arkan cleared his throat awkwardly, as it was the first time he referred to Lunar as his wife. He needed to get used to it since Lunar would soon become his wife.

Arkan noticed the black suitcase Secretary Ham had brought earlier. "For now, you can use the clothes in this suitcase. It's too late to buy new clothes. I'm not someone who can always anticipate your needs."

Lunar chuckled at his lighthearted yet endearing words. "I never expected you to anticipate my every need. I'll stay here alone," she said, turning her head to survey the room before pointing in one direction. "With the flower pots, floor tiles, and ceiling."

Arkan shifted his gaze from the flower pot to Lunar. Lunar would be living alone in the apartment, so there was no reason for him to live with her.

"You'll be my wife. Of course, I'll come to this apartment. People will suspect something if I'm not seen entering the place that will be your residence."

"You'll live with me here?"

"Only occasionally."

"Okay."

Secretary Ham received a signal and immediately handed Lunar a pouch containing a cellphone that would facilitate their communication. Lunar eagerly received the new phone, her eyes sparkling as if she had just received a lifeline.

"I've already saved my number and Secretary Ham's number in there. You can contact me only for very important and urgent matters."

The phone rang, and Arkan had to answer the call. However, the ringing abruptly stopped.

"Oh, so it really is your number."

Arkan grumbled in annoyance. "I told you to contact me only for very important and urgent matters."

Lunar paid no attention to the scolding and busied herself with her new phone. There were only Arkan's and Secretary Ham's numbers saved in it, and she had to decide whose number to save.

As Lunar realized that it was time to say goodbye, she quickly pocketed her phone and pushed Arkan and Secretary Ham towards the apartment door.

"It's too late for a visit now."

Arkan didn't argue because it was already very late at night, but he felt annoyance building up inside him at Lunar's suggestion.

"A visit?"

Arkan grinned, eager to argue, but unfortunately, the apartment door slammed shut right in front of him before he could continue.

"This is my apartment! I bought it! And you'll be my wife!" he exclaimed.

"C-calm down, Sir," Secretary Ham tried to calm him down, avoiding any unnecessary conflict. He guided Arkan to leave immediately.

For the second time, Lunar wore a white wedding dress compared to her wedding dress when she was with Nico. The dress now is more conservative. If she were to run away in the dress she's wearing now, it would be difficult because she can't walk fast. She just has to be careful so she doesn't fall.

Lunar accepted the offer of a helping hand as she approached the groom. She was carefully brought before the priest, and they stood firmly side by side in front of the witnesses. Only then did Lunar's hand escape from the gently gripping hold.

Lunar thought that the man she was about to marry was both ignorant and arrogant, but she could see a caring side to him today. Like just now, Arkan patiently waited for her slow movements.

Maybe... her assumption was wrong. She had almost forgotten that their marriage was meant to deceive everyone. Of course, Arkan would act that way for the sake of their public image.

The wedding vows had been made in front of witnesses. Cheers of joy immediately filled the room. They were married, truly married. It seemed that their deception had been successful.

Suddenly, Lunar's shoulder was turned so that she faced Arkan. She stared as his face came closer to hers. Unable to say anything due to their close proximity, and with her waist embraced and brought close to Arkan's body, they kissed.

"Stay like this for the next ten seconds," Arkan whispered.

It was a fake kiss. They merely closed the distance between their lips, creating the illusion of a kiss. In reality, there was no kissing at their wedding. Nevertheless, Lunar could feel Arkan's breath gently tickling her lips. Why was her heart beating so fast?

Ten seconds passed, and they moved apart. Lunar saw Arkan's smile after the fake kiss, feeling a mix of emotions from their earlier encounter. Their hands remained entwined. It was all fake.

After the event concluded, Lunar and Arkan returned home together in the same car. During the trip, they were silent, lost in their own thoughts. When they arrived at the apartment building, they got out and headed inside.

Lunar furrowed her brows, surprised why they hadn't parted yet. Now Arkan was entering the same apartment with her. She felt an itch in her tongue, longing for an answer as soon as possible.

"Are you staying the night today?" she asked.

Arkan threw himself on the sofa, tired from the pretense he had to uphold at the wedding venue. He took off his tie and replied, "Of course not. I'll stay here until Secretary Ham comes back and says that things are under control outside."

"Then, would you like me to make you a drink while we wait for Secretary Ham?" Lunar offered.

"You don't need to bother. I'll take care of it myself. Just do whatever you want. Pretend I'm not here," Arkan said.

Lunar pursed her lips. There shouldn't be anything wrong with fetching the drinks herself. She lifted her dress to walk, but climbing the stairs seemed difficult. Earlier, Secretary Ham had assisted her, but now there was no one she could ask for help except the man who sat on the couch with his head tilted back and his eyes closed.

"Could you help me up the stairs? I can't walk freely in this dress," Lunar requested.

Arkan, who had opened his eyes, noticed the wedding dress she was wearing and took a deep breath. No one could help Lunar except him. Reluctantly, he got up and approached the woman who was struggling.

Arkan lifted Lunar's body lazily, and suddenly, she let out a scream. Lunar wrapped her arms around Arkan's neck tightly to prevent herself from falling.

"W-why are you carrying me? Just help me walk like Secretary Ham did earlier. Help me handle this long wedding dress," Lunar exclaimed.

"I don't have much time to support you like before," Arkan replied.

Lunar frowned, trying to understand what she had just heard. Didn't have much time? Arkan had plenty of time until Secretary Ham arrived. It was clear that he was merely making excuses.

Lost in her thoughts, Lunar was shocked when Arkan suddenly threw her onto the bed.

"What are you doing?!" she exclaimed.

"I already helped you. No thanks needed," Arkan responded.

After that, Lunar watched as Arkan left the room. Trying to forget about his odd behavior, she slowly got off the bed. She unbuttoned her wedding gown so she could comfortably enter the bathroom. Inside, she washed herself with warm water, relieving her muscles as if she were receiving a VIP massage.

***

Arkan glanced alternately at his watch and cellphone. The absence of any word from Secretary Ham indicated that it was not yet time for him to return home. Apart from that, he had also received no news from Raya since their last meeting. Perhaps Raya was still upset about the marriage, causing her great sadness. He wished he could meet Raya and console her.

His thoughts were interrupted when Lunar walked past him. Arkan quickly turned his gaze away. "How can you dress like that when there's a man still in the house?!"

Lunar, who was heading to the kitchen to get a drink, slowed down her movements. She noticed Arkan's disapproval of her current attire—a nightgown to be precise. So, what was wrong with it? She had even worn a covering garment to ensure it wasn't too revealing.

"Don't come in here!" Arkan shouted, trying to shield his eyes with his hands.

"You bought me these clothes. I'm only wearing what you provided," Lunar explained.

Arkan glanced at Lunar, who quickly drank from the glass, before diverting his attention. "Did you take the nightgown from the suitcase?"

Lunar nodded while muttering. She recalled that night when Arkan had said she could wear the clothes in the suitcase. She hadn't expected to find a nightgown there, but considering the suitcase was filled with clothes, she assumed Arkan had a fetish for women's underwear.

Perhaps Arkan was clueless when it came to choosing the right clothes for a woman. She hoped Raya wouldn't experience the same thing, as Arkan might be perceived as a pervert. Fortunately, their relationship was only that of strangers, so it wasn't a major concern for Lunar to know Arkan's true nature.

"I never bought you..." Arkan began, his mind flashing back to the night he came home after accompanying his father's important business client. That night, he was supposed to help Lunar move into the apartment. He was late, but luckily, Lunar was still awake when he arrived.

On their way home, Secretary Ham reminded Arkan about clothes for Lunar. They searched for clothing stores, but unfortunately, only a few were still open. Arkan, not knowledgeable about women's clothing, left everything to the secretary. He never checked what clothes were purchased, never realizing that Secretary Ham had included a nightgown in the suitcase.

Why did Secretary Ham buy Lunar a nightgown? Did Secretary Ham have inappropriate thoughts about Lunar?

Why was he so concerned about it? And why hadn't he considered how caring Secretary Ham was towards Lunar? There must be something about Lunar that Secretary Ham found problematic, Arkan thought.

The ringing of the bell broke his daydream. Their attention shifted, and Lunar went to open the door, while Arkan observed from a distance. He watched as the apartment door swung open, revealing Secretary Ham. Arkan rushed over.

Arkan quickly made Lunar turn her back to prevent Secretary Ham from seeing what had been blocked from view. The wide-open door was closed again. Arkan pressed his hand against it, preventing the secretary from entering the apartment.

Lunar, her back against the door, was startled by the sudden turn of events. She wondered why Arkan was acting so strangely.

"Let me handle this. You better rest in the room. And remember not to casually open the door, especially in the clothes you're wearing," Arkan instructed.

Arkan opened the door only enough to slip out of the apartment, then closed it tightly. Just a meter away, Secretary Ham stood with an astonished expression. It seemed that Arkan had protected Lunar from the secretary's ill intentions.

"We need to talk," Arkan said in a serious tone. "In private." He emphasized the seriousness of the matter.

Secretary Ham maintained the same expression as he watched his boss walk away. Seeing how Arkan spoke, it was evident that they needed to have a serious discussion. Secretary Ham was filled with anxiety, thinking that he had made a grave mistake that required a one-on-one conversation. He followed Arkan's steps, exiting the apartment building.